In this article, a new concept is proposed for the assessment of cavitation risk in centrifugal pump operations. The method based on NPSH(π) - the net positive suction head performance indicator - is low cost and simple to apply and can assist both manufacturers and users. Centrifugal pump manufacturers cannot be expected to enter into guarantees against cavitation where unacceptable consequences may be long term or dependent upon the method of pump operation. Equally, pump users need reassurance that pumps are fit for purpose in that all reasonable measures are demonstrated to have been taken so that unacceptable performance is avoided. The present methods of calculation that attempt to bridge this gap are complex and beyond the understanding of new or infrequent pump users. A low-cost, simple-to-apply method of demonstrating the veracity of cavitation avoidance claims is needed. Such a method based on the net positive suction head performance indicator, NPSH(π), meets this need. It could form part of a Pump Acceptance Test standard.
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